VA Man Sentenced to 15 Years in ASPCA Dog Fighting Case

Just in: Jonathan Kennard Williams, 27, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for charges related to dog fighting, weapons possession and drugs. Last April, the ASPCA assisted in the rescue and forensics evidence collection of 41 dogs seized from Williams’ property in Halifax, Virginia. The dogs, many of them used for fighting, were found living in deplorable conditions with no access to clean water.

In addition to conspiring to sell dogs with the intent for the animals to be used in dog fighting, Williams pleaded guilty to several counts of distributing drugs and weapons possession. He was also sentenced to six years’ probation after his release from prison.

“Dog fighting is often associated with other illegal activity such as drugs and weapons,” says Terry Mills, ASPCA Blood Sports Director. “It’s a heinous crime that has become both an animal welfare and public safety issue.”

The ASPCA remained involved with the dogs rescued during the raid, and today dogs from Williams’ compound are in loving homes across the country.

“Thanks to the diligence of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the local agencies, Mr. Williams was held accountable for exploiting these innocent animals,” says Mills.

Dog fighting remains a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information on our efforts to stop dog fighting, please visit Raids and Investigations.